Formatting A Resume

Write your resume toward the perspective of the specific company you are applying with. Is it a strictly business corporation or a more relaxed company atmosphere? Answer not only the needs of the advertisement, but the company's concern about you being the right fit for the position. Use better quality printer paper than multi purpose if you are mailing the resume through the postal service and be certain to include a cover letter in normal business letter format. If you have an individuals name to address your resume to, use it to full advantage. If not, simply address it to Human Resources c/o The Company Name.   A resume sent through the email system may or may not require a cover letter. If they do not specify whether or not one is required, be sure to include yours. A proper cover letter will need to include the job you are applying for and why you feel you are qualified for the position. Add a line or two about what you can offer the company listing a few of your unique skills. Use the business letter format with the tab to the left, company name and address above the Dear Name, Human Resources, or To Whom It May Concern, the body also margined to the left kept concise, and close with Sincerely, your name, address, and phone number.    The general format of a resume should look like a template. Your header should be centered at the top about one eighth of the page down and include your job title, your name and address, and contact phone number. All listed as a separate line, one below the other, centered on the page.   Choose experience or education to lead your resume. Which is your strongest point? Which can instill the confidence in you as a choice for this position?   Starting with experience as your lead, list your job title, name of company, choose to include the years or not based on if you had a gap in employment, short length of time on a job, or if you have been on a particular job for a long time. Only include your strengths don't highlight what may be mistaken as a weakness. Include a short paragraph describing your job experience, what you brought to the company, and what you gained in knowledge by being employed with them.   It should look something like this. Senior Manager   ABC Corporation   May 2001 to present     My service with the ABC Corporation has enriched my skills as a Senior Manager and I have increased their productivity by 15% during my time with them. Being responsible for a crew of two hundred and fifty has groomed my managerial skills and honed my ability to detect future problems before they occur.   Begin with your most recent position and work backward. If you have held more than a few positions, list your most relevant ones to the job you are applying for presently from the past four to seven years. Tailor this resume to suit the needs of the particular position and your resume will stand out from the crowd.   Listing your education as your lead will not require as much creativity. Let your degree and schools speak for themselves. List the school name, degree, and years attended and graduation date. Use the same format as above. Also include any Military Service, and special training at previous employers. Do not include any references as these are held for an application, not in a resume.   Remembering to write your resume for an individual company and not something that can be blanketed across the country to any corporation will give you the mighty edge you need. Be confident, concise, and compliment your strengths.